Photo: Anna Shvets/Pexels
Launching a startup of any kind isn’t easy, but there are special challenges when it comes to getting a fashion business off the ground, from the basics of laying out a brand strategy and finding suppliers, to staying up-to-date on ever-evolving industry trends amid the day-to-day chaos. Not to mention, much of this process is shrouded in mystery. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were one easily accessible resource featuring everything you need to start a fashion brand? Well, now there is.
In 2020, leading consumer trend forecasting agency WGSN launched START, a new online platform tailor-made for small fashion businesses and entrepreneurs. WGSN is used by the most powerful brands in the world for its global trend insights, expertly curated data and industry expertise, and now it’s making its assets more accessible to those just getting started on their entrepreneurial journeys.
START was designed by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, with the belief that operating a fashion business doesn’t need to be complicated, nor lonely. With practical resources to optimize the day-to-day workflow, the subscription-based platform helps you organize your business with online working tools and helpful content to offer both inspiration and guidance for the creative process of developing products and collections. Here’s a breakdown of what it offers:
Photo: Eyup Beyhan/Pexels
START’s Fashion Feed gives users a snapshot of must-know industry trend features and news stories, curated daily by WGSN.
The Trends section gives access to current and upcoming (up to 12 months in advance) trends with images curated daily by WGSN’s global team of experts.
The Gallery is your wellspring of inspiration, featuring over 3 million up-to-date curated fashion images from runway, trade shows and street style.
To aid in design and development, there are hundreds of editable tech packs you can download to jumpstart production in all segments: womenswear, menswear, kidswear, beachwear, underwear, footwear, jewelry and bags.
Screenshot: Courtesy of START by WGSN
My Business keeps everything organized: Centralize important information about your business and keep track of every crucial step with an essential checklist.
START demystifies the sourcing process for subscribers with a Suppliers Directory: a guide for small fashion businesses with providers (segmented by country) that supply fabrics, trims, packagings and more with viable MOQs.
Keep track of what your business is spending and making with Calculators (launching this month) that can help users set the correct product price, optimize profits, calculate payback and more.
A START subscription also includes access to exclusive educational content and e-books with business strategies, fashion insights and best practices on new product ideas and how to make smarter decisions faster.
Screenshot: Courtesy of START by WGSN
Ready to get started (pun intended)? For more information and a free seven-day trial, visit www.startbywgsn.com and find START by WGSN on Instagram and Facebook.
Source by fashionista.com
